Mark Imperial: House Nation - www.housenationmusic.com, www.markimperial.com
A House Music pioneer, almost every DJ worth their salt has several MARK IMPERIAL tracks in their record box. You've heard his voice and music on the airwaves and dancefloors across the nation and around the world. A protégé of Ralphi The Razz Rosario and Farley Jack Master Funk, Mark got his start rockin underground, club, loft and basement parties along with the Hot Mix 5. His debut release Jadore Danser, one of DJ Internationals first releases, introduced Mark to the international dance floor as the track climbed the charts worldwide. It was an instant floor filler, club and radio hit.
Mark then established the House Nation Record Label and went on to deliver a string of hits. House Nations Jasons Revenge, Rock This House, the Machines EP by Laurent X, and the vocal house anthem The Love I Lost (named top 300 party songs of all time by Chicago CHR station B-96) are undisputed classics. His records consistently hit top ten on dance charts around the world.
Mark's sound was always ahead of the curve. He twisted Acid tracks and syncopated sleazy keyboard line buildups into what would become known as Wild Pitch. His early industrial influences were reflected in his tracks which then had no category, but would now be considered "Techno". This drew the attention of then up and coming Detroit techno stars Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson.
Every DJ in Chicago knows Mark for The Love I Lost, but the most sought after House Nation Release worldwide is the Machines EP by Laurent X. An example of the sound being way ahead of it's time, Machines hit the UKs record mirror chart and is now considered a cult classic in all of Europe.
Marks production credits list like a whos who in music superstars. He has influenced many of Chicago's elite including Derrick Carter. Mark discovered Derrick in 1988 as a vocalist at the time and brought him into the studio. He mentored Derrick as he developed his own production style. Mark has worked with artists and producers Adonis, Julian Jumpin' Perez, Mixin' Marc, Alex Peace, Frankie Bones, Junior Vasquez, Robert Owens, Larry Heard, Thompson and Lenoir, Ralphi The Razz Rosario, Chip E, Darryl Pandy, Kool Rock Steady, Marshall Jefferson, Mike Hitman Wilson, just to name a few.
